People with diabetes often have a dry mouth, gums that inflame easily and wounds that heal slowly. Wearing dentures therefore needs extra care to avoid sores and infection.
- People with diabetes are prone to dry mouth, fungal infection, gum inflammation and slow-healing sores under dentures.
- Take the denture out and clean it after meals, usually take it out to sleep, and soak it in clean water or a solution made for dentures.
- Tell the dentist about your diabetes and go for regular check-ups.
- Sore or ulcerated gums, white patches, a burning mouth or a loose denture need to be seen early.
When blood sugar is not well controlled, the lining of the mouth becomes drier and weaker, and the ability to fight infection falls. A removable denture presses on the gums every day, so if it does not fit or is not clean, the gums are easily injured.
Why do people with diabetes need to take more care?
- A dry mouth makes the denture rub more and cause soreness.
- Fungal infection is more likely on the gums and palate under the denture base.
- Sores heal more slowly than in other people.
- Gums inflame easily, especially when cleaning is poor. See diabetes and gum disease.
What should you do every day?
- Take the denture out and rinse it clean after meals, and soak it overnight in clean water or a solution made for dentures.
- It is usually best to take it out to sleep so the gums can rest. See should you take out dentures at night.
- Gently wipe the gums, palate and tongue with gauze or a soft brush.
- Drink enough water and keep blood sugar steady as advised by your treating doctor.
Basic care is covered in how to care for a removable denture.
When should you be seen early?
- Gums that are sore, red or ulcerated where the denture presses, or a sore that has not healed after a few days.
- White patches, a burning mouth or an odd taste in the mouth.
- A denture that has become loose. See what to do about a loose denture and sore gums.
Tell the dentist about your diabetes and the medicines you take, and go for regular check-ups so the denture and gums can be examined. You can visit in person during working hours at 266A - 268, Đường 3 Tháng 2, Phường Hòa Hưng, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 (Zalo 082.299.3377) to ask about quieter hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can people with diabetes wear removable dentures?
Yes, but they need careful cleaning, a denture that fits and regular check-ups, because gums inflame easily, fungal infection is more likely and sores heal slowly. Tell the dentist about your underlying condition.
Why are people with diabetes more prone to fungus under dentures?
A dry mouth, weaker gums and unstable blood sugar make it easier for fungus to grow under the denture base. Careful cleaning and taking the denture out to sleep reduce the risk.
When should I be seen if I wear a denture?
When gums are sore and red, a sore does not heal after a few days, there are white patches, the mouth burns or the denture is loose. Be seen early so the dentist can check and adjust it.